As the number-one player in the entire country of a video game called StarCraft II, junior Libo Chang has made himself internationally known at the age of only sixteen. Chang first began playing the game under the name “Ace” in 2012, after his older brother suggested it to him. After switching his accounts, Chang’s online name changed to “Xenocider.” Today, he is a member of the team Evil Geniuses. StarCraft II is a real-time strategy game that can be played online. It was released in 2007 by Blizzard, an international company that creates video games in South Korea.
Chang said, “[My brother] introduced me to video games when I was 5.”
Over the past year, Chang has competed in e-sports competitions in China, South Korea, and most of the United States. Only a few months ago, Chang competed in IEF, International e-Culture Festival, in South Korea. At IEF, Chang came home with a first-place award and $10,000 check.
Junior Andrew Kwon said, “I used to watch his games and try to learn from them.”
After winning IEF, Chang said, “Video games are probably the best experience in my life. I get to meet so many different types of people, whether they’re fans or competitors, and get to see their perspectives on life; it’s enriching.”
Besides the experiences gained from these competitions, Chang has also made many friends through the game.
Sophomore David Jones said, “Playing a game is like joining a club, you can meet and interact with people that share a common interest.”
As a junior still attending high school, Chang is a part of the International Baccalaureate program. He balances the rigorous coursework that IB presents while still practicing ten hours of StarCraft II daily.
A close friend of Chang’s, junior Anthony Chen, commented, “I fully support him. As long as he keeps his grades up, there’s no problem.”
Contrary to others’ beliefs, IB Economics teacher, Mr. Chuck Blackwell, said “Libo has a better understanding of econ because of his computer abilities.”
Other than balancing work, Chang also works to keep up with assignments in class because competitions cause him to miss several days of school at a time.
Another teacher of Libo’s, IB English teacher, Mrs. Kelly Meahl, said, “He’s great, even when he misses class, he’s very good about making up work. He doesn’t really seem to let [his gaming] affect his school work.”
Chang’s abilites go above and beyond many high schoolers with his career. If he wanted to, he’d be able to support himself with his earnings.
With the benefits and drawbacks of professionally playing StarCraft II in mind, Chang said, “Video games shaped my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.”